License for Alternations

Tenant alterations either before or during a lease term are usually carried out under a “Licence for Alterations” – a legal document annexed to a lease which sets out the reinstatement requirements at lease expiry. The document also details specification and quality of workmanship. Being established experts in dilapidations we know that dealing properly with alterations at the time they are carried out can significantly reduce the scope for dispute for both parties.

Appointments are generally carried out on behalf of landlords to review tenant’s proposals for adaptation and fitting out of properties in order to comply with lease documentation. Frequently tenants appoint their own Chartered Building Surveyor to ensure that not only their position is protected, but all legislation is correctly followed to avoid any future disputes. Upon vacation of a property at lease end, it is advisable for a landlord to appoint a Chartered Building Surveyor to identify repairing liabilities under the terms of the license previously granted, and ensure that the tenant is fulfilling their obligations. Equally, it is advisable for a tenant to appoint a Surveyor to ensure that their position is equally well protected.

We can offer:

• Advice to both Landlord and tenant
• Review proposed alterations works
• Advise on documentation required to be appended to the licence for alteration
• Monitor works for compliance with statutory consents and issue of warranties